Duterte: US Would Act if China’s Island Building Were Serious

A satellite image shows what CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative says appears to be anti-aircraft guns and what are likely to be close-in weapons systems (CIWS) on the artificial island Subi Reef in the South China Sea in this image released on Dec. 13, 2016.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said the failure of the United States to thwart China’s island building in the South China Sea showed there was no serious concern about its militarization or reclamation work.

The firebrand leader reiterated he wanted to avoid confrontation with China and saw no need for urgency in pressing it to abide by a July ruling by an international tribunal on its South China Sea claims that went in favor of the Philippines.

Asked during a television interview when he would address the issue, Duterte said it would happen “during my time” but he was not yet ready to discuss the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and neither was China.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with reporters during a news conference upon his arrival from a four-day state visit in China at the Davao International Airport in Davao city, Philippines, Oct. 21, 2016.

“I cannot let is pass and be neglected,” he told CNN Philippines, referring to the ruling that rejected China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea.

He said he had no intention of aggressively pursuing the Philippine maritime claim and taking on China and that the only power capable of doing so was the United States.

Foreign policy move

Duterte made a stunning U-turn in foreign policy a few months ago when he made overtures toward longtime rival China and started berating traditional ally the United States.

He has previously played down the arbitration case, saying it would “take a back seat” during his talks in China in October. He has frequently praised China and said he wants it to play a prominent role in his economy.

Duterte also played down concerns that China was militarizing the South China Sea and he appeared unperturbed by its dredging work and building activity on reefs, several of which were within Manila’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Asked if he was worried, he said. “No. Because if it was really a serious concern, then the United States should lead the way and stop it.

“I said, right at the beginning, when the first spray of soil was tossed out to the area they [China] reclaimed, why did their [U.S.] think-tank not think?”

Natural resources

Duterte said the one situation where he would take a stand against China was if it were to start exploiting natural resources within Philippine sovereign territory. He likened it to children bickering over inheritance.

The Philippines has within its EEZ deposits of oil and gas but lacks the expertise to exploit them. It has also been complicated by China laying claim to the same waters.